Norwegian Cruise Line‘s Norwegian Epic is heading to Puerto Rico in November. Departing from Lisbon with stops at the Azores and the Virgin Islands, you can book a “suite” (basically, a glorified balcony cabin) for as little as €760 per person. If you’re content with a little less luxury, normal balcony cabins start at €650. The fare includes taxes, but not tips and gratuities. Norwegian automatically charges gratuities of US$20 (~€17) per day and per passenger, but you can ask them to modify the amount.
The price includes access to most onboard amenities (except spa treatments), three daily meals in à la carte or buffet restaurants and soft drinks.
The Route
This is the cruise’s itinerary:
- November 13: Lisbon (departs at 18:00)
- November 14: At sea
- November 15: Ponta Delgada, Azores (9 hours)
- November 16-20: 5 days at sea
- November 21: Tortola, British Virgin Islands (10 hours)
- November 22: St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (10 hours)
- November 23: San Juan (arrives at 7:00)
The Ship
Launched in 2010 as Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest and boldest project at the time, the Norwegian Epic is known for its unusual design choices, some of which still puzzle passengers years later.
One of the most talked-about features is the cabin layout. Instead of a traditional bathroom, there’s a shower on one side of the entrance and a toilet on the other, with a small sink awkwardly placed in the main room. This setup isn’t for everyone and has become a bit of a running joke among frequent cruisers. Public areas can also feel cramped and strangely laid out, despite the ship’s large size.
That said, Epic does have its strengths. The ship’s Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries are popular, and many people choose it more for the destinations than the ship itself. Service is hit or miss: some guests report friendly staff and smooth experiences, while others mention long waits and stretched crews. In short, the Norwegian Epic works best for travellers who care more about where they’re going than how they get there.
Flights
The flights back from the Caribbean are not included. Currently, flying from Puerto Rico to London would cost US$455 (~€389), including luggage with JetBlue.
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Cover Picture: Photo by Karl Callwood on Unsplash